Al: Tabari Volume 6 Page 111 |best|
Al-Tabari Volume 6, page 111, from the translation Muhammad at Mecca, chronicles the controversial "Satanic Verses" episode, where the Prophet Muhammad allegedly praised pagan deities before receiving correction from the Archangel Gabriel. While this account features a recorded confession of fabrication, it remains a focal point of debate between traditional theological interpretations, which often view it as fabricated, and historical analysis of early Islamic documentation. For more details, visit Kalamullah. The History of al-Tabari - Kalamullah.Com
Volume VI of The History of al-Tabari (translated by Watt and McDonald) focuses on the early life of the Prophet Muhammad, with page 111 highlighting his guardianship under Abu Talib following the death of 'Abd al-Muttalib. This section details the familial transition, the barakah (blessing) associated with the young Muhammad, and the narrative leading to the encounter with the monk Bahira, establishing crucial context for the Prophet's formative years in Meccan society.
The primary content found on page 111 of The History of al-Tabari, Volume 6 (titled Muhammad at Mecca) details a pivotal moment in Islamic historiography known as the Satanic Verses incident. Summary of the Incident
According to the accounts recorded by al-Tabari, Muhammad was distressed by the rejection of his message by his tribe, the Quraysh. On page 111, the text describes the aftermath of him reciting verses that allegedly praised the pagan goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat as "high-flying cranes" whose intercession could be hoped for. Key details from this section include:
The Review with Gabriel: The text states that the angel Gabriel visited Muhammad that evening to review the newly revealed Surah.
The Confession: Upon reaching the controversial phrases, Gabriel informed Muhammad that he did not bring those words. The page records Muhammad's subsequent distress and his statement: "I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken".
Divine Correction: Following this event, al-Tabari notes that God revealed new verses (specifically from Surah 22:52) to comfort the Prophet, explaining that previous messengers had also been subject to Satanic interference in their speech. Significance and Context
Historical Importance: This volume, translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald and available through Kalamullah.Com, is considered a critical source for understanding the Prophet’s early mission in Mecca.
Debate and Discussion: The "Satanic Verses" incident is a subject of significant theological and historical debate. While early Muslim biographers like al-Tabari and Ibn Ishaq included these narrations, many later scholars questioned their authenticity, arguing they conflict with the doctrine of prophetic infallibility. For various perspectives on this event, discussions can be found on community forums like Facebook. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Page 111 of The History of al-Tabari (Volume 6) details the "Satanic Verses" incident, where Muhammad reportedly recited verses acknowledging pagan deities before correcting them, as translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M. V. McDonald. While often cited in Western academic work, this narration is widely rejected by traditional scholars as weak or fabricated, contradicting the concept of prophetic infallibility. For more details, visit Kalamullah.Com.
The text found on page 111 of Volume 6 SUNY Press translation The History of al-Tabari
is one of the most debated passages in Islamic historiography. This volume, titled Muhammad at Mecca
, chronicles the early life and prophetic mission of Muhammad before the Hijrah. The Context: The "Satanic Verses" Incident al tabari volume 6 page 111
Page 111 is central to the account of the "Satanic Verses" (often referred to in Islamic tradition as the
incident). According to the narrative recorded by al-Tabari: Desire for Reconciliation
: Muhammad was deeply grieved by the shunning of his tribe, the , and longed for a revelation that might reconcile them. The False Revelation
: While reciting Surah an-Najm, "Satan cast on his tongue" words that praised the Meccan goddesses (al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat), referring to them as "high-flying cranes" ( al-gharaniq al-ula ) whose intercession was accepted. Initial Joy
: The polytheists of Mecca were delighted by this apparent approval of their gods and joined the Muslims in prostration. The "Confession" on Page 111 The specific text on
captures the aftermath of this event, where the angel Gabriel corrected the revelation: The Correction
: Gabriel informed Muhammad that he had not brought those two specific phrases. The Admission
: The text records Muhammad’s realization and distress, stating:
"I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken" The Resolution
: God then revealed a new verse (often identified as 22:52) to comfort the Prophet, explaining that every messenger before him had faced similar interference from Satan. Historical Significance
This passage is a prime example of al-Tabari’s methodology. Unlike later compilers who might have omitted "embarrassing" or controversial narrations to protect a specific theological narrative, al-Tabari aimed to preserve all available reports—even those that were later heavily scrutinized or rejected by scholars. Today, while many traditional scholars reject the authenticity of this incident, it remains a subject of intense academic study regarding early Islamic history in al-Tabari’s work or more about his historical methodology
Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al-Rusul wa'l-Muluk), specifically around page 111 of the SUNY translation, focuses on the aftermath of the Battle of Badr, including the treatment of prisoners and the distribution of spoils. This section is critical for understanding the legal precedents and political decisions shaping the early Medinan community. For a comprehensive study, consult the SUNY Press translation of "The History of al-Tabari Volume 6: Muhammad at Medina." Al-Tabari Volume 6, page 111, from the translation
In the English translation of The History of al-Tabari, Volume 6: Muhammad at Mecca (translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald),
contains a famous and controversial report regarding the "Satanic Verses" incident. Kalamullah.Com Summary of the Report
The report describes a period when the Prophet Muhammad was deeply concerned for his people and wished for a revelation that would bring the Quraysh closer to him. According to this narration: The Incident : While reciting Surah an-Najm
(The Star) near the Ka'bah, Satan is said to have "thrown" words onto Muhammad's tongue as he reached verses 19 and 20 (which mention the pagan goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat). The Interjected Words : The report claims he recited:
"These are the high-flying cranes (al-gharāniq al-'ulā), whose intercession is to be hoped for."
: Hearing this, the polytheists of the Quraysh were delighted, believing Muhammad had finally acknowledged their gods, and they prostrated alongside the Muslims. The Correction
: Later, the angel Gabriel visited Muhammad, rebuked him for reciting what God had not revealed, and the verses were corrected to their current form in the Quran (53:21-23), which rejects the goddesses. Context and Authenticity Purpose of the Record : Al-Tabari was a compiler who recorded various reports ( ) with their chains of narration (
) to preserve the historical record, rather than to certify every detail as absolute theological truth. Scholarly View
: Most orthodox Muslim scholars reject the authenticity of this specific report, citing flaws in the chains of narration and arguing it contradicts the doctrine of (prophetic impeccability/protection from error). Source Reference
: This account is found in the section titled "The First Open Preaching" or "The Story of the Cranes" within the Kalamullah PDF of Volume 6. Kalamullah.Com theological arguments
scholars use to debunk this report or see how it compares to other historical sources
Al-Tabari Volume 6, page 111, chronicles the "Satanic Verses" incident, featuring a controversial report where the Prophet Muhammad supposedly regrets uttering non-divine verses during a period of distress. While the text records a narration of alleged fabrication, Islamic scholars largely reject this specific account as weak or fabricated (da'if), arguing it contradicts prophetic infallibility. For a detailed analysis of this passage, visit IslamCompass. The History of Al-Tabari Volume 6: Muhammad at Mecca The Offer of Worldly Status: The Quraysh leaders
The History of al-Tabari :Tarikh al-Rusul wa'l muluk 'Annals of the Apostles and Kings' ,by Abu Ja'far Muhammad b Jarir al-Tabri (
المكتبة الإسلامية الإلكترونية الشاملة REGARDING AT-TABARI 6:111 | WE DEFEND ISLAM
Approaching Historical Analysis through Al-Tabari’s Work
The reference to "Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111" invites scholars and readers into a vast expanse of historical narrative compiled by one of Islam's most respected historians, Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari. Al-Tabari's comprehensive history, spanning from the dawn of creation to the year 915 CE, is a critical source for understanding Islamic history, theology, and worldview.
2. Content Summary
On page 111, Al-Tabari continues a narrative thread regarding the escalation of persecution against the early Muslims. The specific context involves a delegation or a series of interactions where the leaders of the Quraysh attempt to deter Muhammad through bargaining.
Key elements present on this page include:
- The Offer of Worldly Status: The Quraysh leaders propose to make Muhammad a king or offer him wealth if he ceases to criticize their idols.
- The Proposal of Medical Treatment: A recurring theme in early biographical literature, the Quraysh suggest that Muhammad is possessed or suffering from an ailment, offering to pay for physicians to cure him.
- The Rejection and Condemnation: The Prophet unequivocally rejects these offers. The text emphasizes his commitment to his divine mission over worldly gain.
6. Final Tips
- If possible, provide a translation excerpt of the passage for analysis.
- For academic writing, cite al-Tabari critically, noting his reliance on sources like Ibn Ishaq or early shu‘ab (collections).
If you clarify the specific content on page 111 (e.g., a narrative, hadith, or event), I can help tailor recommendations or suggest parallels in other Islamic historiography.
Report: Analysis of Ta'rikh al-Rusul wa'l-Muluk (The History of Al-Tabari), Volume 6, Page 111
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Historical Context and Content Analysis of Volume 6, Page 111 Source Edition: The History of Al-Tabari, Vol. 6: Muhammad at Mecca (SUNY Series in Near Eastern Studies), translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald.
Contextualizing Al-Tabari
Al-Tabari, a 9th-century Persian scholar, embarked on the monumental task of chronicling the history of the world from the creation of Adam to the caliphate of the Abbasid period. His work, often simply called "The History of al-Tabari," is renowned for its detailed accounts, derived from a vast array of sources. This includes oral traditions, earlier written histories, and documents that have otherwise been lost to time.
Methodological Approach
When approaching a specific page such as "Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111," scholars should:
- Contextualize: Understand the broader historical period being discussed.
- Analyze Sources: Consider the sources al-Tabari used and their potential biases.
- Thematic Analysis: Identify recurring themes or significant events being narrated.
- Critical Engagement: Critically engage with the text, comparing it with other historical accounts.